Color pattern

Tartan and plaid

Crossing bands repeat in a defined color sequence called a sett.

Also searched as: tartan, plaid, sett

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Schematic motif family, not an exact swatch or registered design. Color, scale and repeats vary; closely related names can overlap in trade use.

How it is made

Traditional tartan repeats a threadcount in warp and weft, usually on 2/2 twill. Equal-color crossings read solid; unlike colors visually mix.

How to recognize it

Follow the sequence of stripe colors and widths through a full repeat.

Common uses

  • Kilts
  • Scarves
  • Blankets

What to distinguish

Plaid often means a checked pattern in North American usage; in Highland dress it also means a length of cloth. A tartan design does not by itself prove clan association, age or registration.

Sources & further reading

Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.

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